Making the Change from Winter to Spring

(Organizing the Closets)

Dressers can be a challenge for storing clothing.  Use them for underwear, jewelry, personal items, linens, seasonal storage, or memorabilia.  Stack the clothing on a shelf instead where you can see the items and get to them quickly.

Keep a laundry container (basket, hamper, fabric bag) near where you change clothes.   Use several in different locations if needed.  This will save dirty clothes from ending up on the floor.

Hang scarves in a scarf ring, tie or belt rack.  If you must fold them flat, use under-the-shelf baskets.

Hooks are a great way to store hats, belts, purses, robes, jackets, sweatshirts or jewelry in the closet.  They can be placed in any open space or behind doors for quick access.  Be sure to get the right hook for your purpose.  When hanging clothing made of loosely woven materials on hooks, put a tennis ball over the hook to avoid creating holes or a "bump".

Use a canvas hanging closet organizer to hold purses, slippers, summer visors or hats, winter mittens and mufflers, as well as shoes.

Put clear shoe boxes in canvas hanging closet organizers to hold smaller items like socks, extra makeup or hair items, guest sundries, paperback books, etc.  Makes a great alternative to an extra dresser. 

Store extra sheets folded flat under the mattress for quick and neat retrieval.  Or store sheets in sets (all sheets tucked inside one of the pillow cases) when using a linen closet.  Speaking of sheets, buy colors or patterns that help you identify the sizes (white are king size, floral are queen size, blue for child's bed, etc.)

When evaluating which clothes you actually wear, turn all the hangers around so the hook faces the front.  As you wear the item, reverse the hook to face the back wall.  After a few months, look at the hangers and re-evaluate whether you will keep those that are still facing forward.

Remove out-of-season clothes to gain more space in your closet.  Coats, sweaters, winter outfits can go in clear plastic tubs for the summer.  Be sure they are clean before storing and throw in a scented dryer sheet to keep them smelling fresh.

Look under the bed, behind the doors, behind dressers or headboards, and on high shelves around the room for hidden storage options.